Facebook Release

Hi all, I am writing to give an update on the three African Greys that were taken into our care this past Sunday. Sadly, upon transfer of the birds, one of them passed away quickly and unexpectedly - putting us into shock and despair that his new life at the Sanctuary was never going to happen despite being so close to a more free and happy life that others have and continue to enjoy. In my 10+ years of doing this kind of work, I have NEVER had this happen and was in complete shock as the situation unfolded right before our eyes. What had been a joyous journey to North Carolina to help these three birds begin a new chapter in their life quickly turned to questions with no satisfactory answers for ourselves. We did, however, have a vet appointment scheduled for the very next day to have thorough check-ups and diagnostics to insure their well-being and address any issues they may have. Enter someone who could help bring us the answers we so desperately needed: Dr. Greg Costanzo, our Board Member and amazing vet who practices at SEAVS (Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services). Along with physical exams, infectious disease testing and diagnostic blood work & radiographs on the two living Greys, he conducted a necropsy on the third one (who we would end up naming Andy). Findings showed every organ in his body to be inflamed and severely damaged. We also opted to have tissue samples of the organs sent out for Histopathology. Today we received those results which is why we waited until now for an update and to present our supporters who have been following these birds those answers. As noticed by Dr. Costanzo, the Histopathology Report also backed up the fact that all major organs were inflamed and damaged including notable findings of the heart and lungs. The heart, which was larger than normal was diseased and the bird had severe atherosclerosis. The lungs showed chronic disease due to extreme indoor air pollution. This fragile boy's body just couldn't take any more in his life and it failed, not allowing him to enjoy his days in the sun and fresh air with the rest of the birds out here. Had he survived the trip, veterinary process and introduction into the aviary, Dr. C noted that based on what he saw inside him, he physically could not have lived any longer in his condition. It was also VERY clear that the years of neglect and poor "care" in that hell hole in Georgia is what caused his condition. With ammonia levels so high that the Fire Department had to conduct an air exchange prior to rescuers being allowed in the house to the stentch of rotting bird corpses and whatever other horrid conditions inside the house caused such poor indoor air quality, one thing is clear - the man charged and set to go to trial for the felony animal cruelty of over 300 poor souls who survived and the 100+ who had perished yet left to rot in his "home" will be answering to not only the authorities but also a higher power. After learning more about the case and the conditions in the structure where they were found, this is undoubtedly one of the worst cases of cruelty towards birds I have ever heard of. Please wish us the best with the other two who have been fostered and cared for this past week by a wonderful person (say hi if you want yourself to be known) who agreed to help us out (there are birds currently in our quarantine room at the Sanctuary) while awaiting infectious disease results, which today came back negative - yay! Tomorrow morning they go back to SEAVS for a few more days of observation and care until Kirah and I go get them on Monday to finally bring them home to the Sanctuary! I do want to offer my respect and appreciation for the first responding rescuers and the folks who have cared for them since the July seizure until they were given the all-clear to disburse the 300+ birds to people and organizations throughout the U.S. We feel quite upset that the situation existed in the first place but grateful and in awe of the multitude of people who have shown love and consideration for birds when they needed people the most. Thank you all! -Matt-